Okay so I haven't had much time to edit this, namely because I've been working extra hard to get it out to you guys, Thanks for your reviews and thoughts. They always help me along with my own thought process, plus they remind me that you guys are all waiting on me! Anyways, here's the chapter, I'll edit it soon, so I apologize for any and all mistakes… hopefully they aren't too bad.
I don't own FMA
Chapter 25
Ed sat at the table crying softly, the one thing he'd been looking forward too was suddenly yanked out from under him, and he'd have to be without his husband for fifteen days.
There was the sound of something hitting the floor that snapped Ed from his stupor. He looked up, locking eyes with his infant son. Greyson sat contently, holding the jar of baby food awkwardly with both of his hands. The spoon was on the floor.
"How did you—?" Ed was at a loss as to how his son managed to reach the jar, but nonetheless he had to clean him up and get him ready for bed.
Ed sniffled and wiped away his tears. He took the jar from Grey's hands and set it on the table again. He bent down and picked up the little baby spoon that had fallen. When he stood back up, the jar of baby food was on the trey of Grey's highchair.
Ed blinked, and looked at his baby. "Grey…?" Ed examined his arms, not exactly sure what he was looking for, but still searching nonetheless. He looked between the jar and his son.
He sighed, "I'm too tired for this right now… c'mon little man… let's get to bed." Ed said pulling Grey up out of his high chair. The baby boy excitedly kicked his legs huffing at his mother. He smiled a toothless grin at him. Ed smiled and gave him a kiss, "You're too precious…"
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The next morning, Ed had decided to take Roy's advice to go and see his brother.
"Mommy I'm hungry…" Milo complained
"I know sweetie… Uncle Al is gonna have breakfast ready for us… so just be patient and keep walking."
"I don' wan'oo!" Milo stamped his foot.
Ed was exhausted. He hadn't gotten much sleep the previous night. He held Grey on his hip, the little blonde baby watched his brother with attentive gold eyes.
Louisa and Oliver walked hand-in-hand, at the moment, the two girls were picking flowers along the dirt path.
Ed sighed "Okay Milo, you can stay here then."
"NOH!" Milo screamed, tears dripped from his eyelashes. Terror gripped at his voice as he cried, deathly afraid of being left behind by his mother, despite this fear he stayed unmoving, crying in the middle of the path.
"Girl's c'mon…"
"Mahma." Ollie called, she ran after her mother, tugging her sister along with her.
Lulu held a bouquet of flowers in one hand and her sister's hand in the other.
Ollie grabbed hold if Ed's free hand and the four of them walked a few paces more before Milo bawled out again.
"Maaaaaahmeeeee."
Ed's heart wrenched. It ached, he wanted nothing more than to dote upon his son and make him feel better, but he couldn't… Milo was being unreasonable and he needed to be kept in check, especially when Roy wasn't there to be stern with him.
The children adored both of their parents, but there was a system in place and they were all very aware of it. It was fact that daddy was absolutely terrifying when he was angry, and mommy was the one who told him when they were bad and needed punishing. So be good to mommy and daddy will be happy. Simple as that.
Ed had to push through the heartache and continue he took a few more slow steps, Oliver looked over her shoulder, her dark hair falling beside her face. She stared longingly at her brother.
"Mommy. Mommy." Lulu whimpered.
"Hm?" Ed asked, they stopped.
Lulu looked at her mother, then at her sister, and back to her mother.
"Mommy." Louisa repeated.
Ed crouched down to her height, looking at his two miniature daughters standing before him, "Sweetheart. You need to talk to me," Ed cooed, "I can't help you if you don't speak. I know you can. I know the both of you can." He said, looking between Oliver and Louisa.
They were silent, glancing between each other.
"Mommy. Don tell daddy. Mio's tied." Lulu said.
Ed almost couldn't believe his ears, he smiled and gasped. "You speak so well!"
"Mommy mee, too?" Oliver asked tugging on her mother's sleeve.
Ed nodded, "Of course! You both sound beautiful." Ed kissed Oliver's forehead and then Louisa's, he pulled them close, and hugged them, Grey stared at his sisters. Ed placed a couple of kisses on each of their temples. "I'm so proud of you. Daddy will be too…"
Milo was still sobbing to himself about four meters away.
Ed sighed, and looked at his daughters. "What should I do girls? I have no idea what to do with your brother…"
Without saying anything, the girls began to back track, they pulled Ed along with them.
They stopped once they were in front of Milo.
Ed adjusted his hold on Greyson, "Milo. Stop crying" he said softly.
"I'm ty-ing…. Mohmee."
"Stop crying." Ed repeated calmly.
"Mio… don wuh-ree." Oliver said.
Louisa placed a kiss on his cheek, "We gon' go see Tish!"
Milo sniffled and nodded. "Okay."
"Okay" Ed said with a smile, "Let's be happy today! We're going to have breakfast with Uncle Al and Trisha."
"And Auntie?"
"I think she's busy this morning… but we'll see…"
Milo nodded and wiped his eyes, sniffling, "Mom d-don' tell daddy… please…" Milo whimpered.
"Don't worry Milo…" Ed tousled his curls, "c'mon."
Milo nodded and began walking with his mother and sisters.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ed stood in the kitchen while Al flipped pancakes.
Milo and Trish had run upstairs and had yet to reappear.
Greyson laid on his back and his sisters sat on either side of him playing and keeping him company.
"So Roy comes back… I bet you're excited…" Al said.
"Yeah… he's not." Ed said shortly, not really wanting to talk about it.
"Dha-Daddy's not… com'n home?" Lulu whimpered from where she sat.
Oliver sniffled, "Dadeee" She called out, tears started to drip down her face.
Ed sighed, he felt the same way as his girls, "s'cuse me Al," He rushed to his daughter's sides. "Girls… don't cry… daddy is coming back… but he's gonna be working a few more days…" He pulled them close into a hug, finding just as much comfort as his daughters did.
"Don't make Greyson cry please girls… remember if you're sad—"
"He's sad!" Oliver said.
"Exactly." Ed smiled and tousled Louisa's hair and then Oliver's. Ed pulled Greyson into his arms holding him close, "breakfast will be ready soon girls… why don't you go tell your brother and cousin.
"Okaaay!" Lulu sang and then the two headed upstairs.
"I'm sorry about Roy… that's a bummer… Hey why don't you let the kids stay here tonight?"
Ed shook his head, "No… I couldn't ask that of you… they'd destroy you…
"How about Milo then? He and Trisha can have a sleepover…?"
"Oh sure…" Ed said.
"That'll make your life at least a little easier tonight… maybe you'll actually get some sleep…?"
"Do I really look that tired?" Ed asked
Al looked at his brother's face and thought it better not to answer that question.
Ed sighed, "It's a lot harder without him and four of them… he always puts Greyson to bed… He comes home from work and then he puts Grey to bed… and I can't… I don't have the energy…"
"Brother… if you need help all you have to do is say so…"
"I don't need help… it's not that it's just that with one of me and four of them… I'm exhausted…"
"That's when you need help." Al said.
"Maybe you're right…" Ed said with a sigh.
"I'll talk to Win, and we'll figure something out."
"You don't have to do that Al… you both have your own lives…"
"Ed, you're my brother… and you've helped me so much… let me return the favor."
Ed only smiled, he felt so sad right now… just the despair of knowing he would be alone with the crazy of four kids.
"Breakfast is ready." Al called through the house. There was a loud thud and then Trisha and Milo came running. Oliver and Louisa clumsily maneuvered their way down the stairs, practically crawling. Next came Winry, it was obvious she had just woken up. In her arms, was little Elaine.
"Good morning sweetie." Al said, he pecked Winry on the lips. She rubbed his back gently.
Ed helped the kids to take seats at the table. Trisha and Milo sat side by side. Across from them sat Louisa and Oliver.
"Hey hon." Winry said, wrapping an arm around Ed in a hug.
"Hey…" Ed said
"Where's baby Grey…?"
"Oh, he's asleep upstairs."
"This late?" She said surprised.
"Yeah… he doesn't sleep much through the night…"
"Hey Win, Milo is gonna stay the night with us…" Al said
"That's gonna be fun…" She said, smiling at Milo.
"Yeah… figured we'd help Ed out while Roy is gone."
"But he comes back tonight…?" Winry said confused.
"No." Ed said with a sad sigh, "They're having him start his work in South City… he'll be there for twelve days… plus the three he's already been there… so fifteen total." Ed said.
"I'm sorry Ed… that sucks…" Winry said.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
They all sat around the breakfast table. Ed cut up Milo's pancakes and then Lulu and Ollie's.
"So honey, our anniversary is on Friday…" Al stated.
"Oh yeah…" Winry said, "Guess it's gonna be another night in…"
"I can watch Elaine and Trisha for you guys…"
"Oh Ed, with your four already… six is too many…"
Ed shook his head, "It's a special night for you guys… I'd be happy to do it…"
"I dunno… two infants and then four bigger kids…?" Winry asked.
"Sweetie he can have Oliver and Louis help… You're always complaining how we don't get time to ourselves… this is our chance…" Al said
"Yeah I guess… alright…" Winry said with a sigh.
"Any big plans?" Ed asked.
"Oh… well… there's a park" Al started.
"Oh Al, we'll have a picnic and it'll be so nice…" Winry said excitedly.
Ed smiled.
"What did you do on your anniversary last year?" Al asked.
"Yeah, the first year… anything special?" Winry asked excitedly.
"Um. We went to the zoo…"
"And?" Winry asked.
Ed shook his head, "That's… all…"
"We saw Lions!" Milo chirped in.
Oliver gasped, "Mahma, we wan' see lions!" She said looking at her sister.
"You did see!" Milo said
"No!" Louisa argued.
"Milo, sweetie, they were too little to remember."
"Oh." Milo said simply.
Ed got up, "I'm gonna go check on Greyson." He left the table and shimmied up the stairs.
He could hear his children chattering about the zoo. Ed gently pushed open the door, revealing Greyson, lying awake on his back in the massive bed. "Hey baby…" Ed cooed to his son. Grey smiled a toothless grin. His golden eyes were lit up happily. Ed ran his fingers through his soft golden hair. He let out a hefty sigh.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Two weeks came and went and Ed was exhausted. It was the night Roy came home. Ed cradled Grey in his arms, gently swaying him from side to side. He sat cross legged on the couch, he was waiting for Roy, counting each second. He wanted his husband, needed him. He also needed Greyson to go to sleep before he got home, otherwise he was afraid he'd fall asleep waiting for Roy to put him to bed.
"Oh! I'll feed you!" Ed took Grey into the kitchen where he got out a small bag of cheerios, he put them down in front of Grey. "Is it yummy Grey?" Ed asked as he sat down across from him
The little boy excitedly squirmed kicking his legs and pounding on his highchair trey, cheerios spilled onto the floor as he clumsily shoved them in his mouth.
"Shh. You need to be quiet Grey…" Ed took away the bag and set it down on the table. He sighed as he got down and picked up the ones that had dropped onto the tile. As he stood back up he saw it happen. The bag moved from the table onto the trey of the highchair in an instant. Ed's jaw dropped as he saw his son happily stick his hand in the bag and pull out a few more cheerios. "What… just—"
Ed was cut off when he heard the front door.
He felt so relieved. Ed ran to the front door, practically pouncing on Roy. His arms wrapped around his husband's neck. Roy's things dropped to the floor and his arms snaked around Ed's middle, no time was wasted in greeting. Ed was on the tips of his toes. Roy was leaning downwards, to place a kiss on Ed's lips.
They didn't break away for a while, when they finally did, Ed's face was red and he was out of breath.
Looking up at his husband Ed felt like crying. "I missed you!" He said.
"I missed you too." Roy said with a chuckle. "Are all the kids asleep?"
"No." Ed shook his head, He took Roy's hand and pulled him into the kitchen. He tucked a strand of hair behind his ear, "Okay, so something weird has been happening around the house…"
"I'm gone for fifteen days and you're just telling me this now…" Roy said flatly.
"Well. I never really noticed until a few minutes ago…"
They entered the kitchen where their son was sitting in his highchair.
"Greyson!" Roy said excitedly. He reached for his son, cooing. Grey stared over his shoulder, eyes wide with surprise.
"Wait… wait." Ed said, holding up his hands.
"I've been gone two weeks and you won't let me hold my son?"
"Just wait… hear me out… this has a point." Ed grabbed onto Roy's arms, "Okay, go stand over here…" He placed Roy at the opposite end of the table. "Watch… watch the cheerios…" Ed said. He moved to Grey and took the bag of cheerios from him. Ed placed it on the table, just out of his reach.
Grey looked at his mother, a rather baffled expression. Then he looked at the cheerios and finally his father. He smiled and huffed excitedly.
"Hi baby…" Roy said smiling, and raising the pitch of his voice.
Grey made a wispy excited gurgle.
Ed went and stood beside Roy, watching their son, waiting for Roy to see what he had seen. He clung to his arm, "Are you watching?" Ed asked, staring at the cheerios. They stood still, nothing was happening.
"Yes. I'm watching…"
"Grey don't you want cheerios…?" Ed asked, He shook the bag a little trying to regain his son's attention.
The baby's attention shifted to the bag of cheerios and Ed placed it back on the table out of his reach. Ed went and stood beside Roy, "Okay… watch." Roy and Ed stood in silence listening to their son grunting and huffing as he tried to reach for the bag.
After what felt like a minute went by, Roy grabbed the bag and gave it to Grey.
"What? Wait… Roy Why?" Ed stuttered.
Roy sighed, "He wanted the cheerios... and he couldn't get them…"
"I was trying to show you something…"
"How far our son can reach?" Roy asked.
"No—the bag… it moved."
"I moved it…" Roy answered simply. He picked up Greyson, holding him close. "How about we go to bed now, huh Grey?"
"Roy. I swear I saw it… it moved from the table to the highchair… just before you came home."
"Fullmetal, you're tired. Why don't you go to bed?" Roy kissed Ed's temple and then started up the stairs to the nursery.
Ed thought about it, trying to decide if he would believe his own eyes, or the fact that he may be delusional due to lack of sleep. He decided he was too tired to think about it. He practically crawled up the stairs, he went first to the nursery, pushing the door open a crack.
Roy sat in the rocking chair, tiny Grey in his lap. He held open a book, reading. Grey's watchful golden eyes absorbed every image. Roy glanced up at Ed, with heavy lidded eyes. He looked just as exhausted as Ed, but still his eyes were teeming with desire. Ed pulled the door closed and then went to his room across the hall.
When Roy came in, Ed was unsure how much time had passed. He was lying in bed under the covers, Calces had taken Roy's place on the bed beside him. Roy flipped the light switch and Ed remained unmoving.
"You awake?" Roy asked.
"Barely." Ed mumbled.
Calces' tail started to wag as she recognized her master.
"You're going to have to fight her for your spot back." Ed muttered.
Roy started to undress. Ed watched lazily from where he laid.
When he was in only his boxers and a t-shirt Roy turned off the lights. Ed waited to hear him command Calces to move, but he didn't, instead he slid under the covers right behind Ed. There was no space between the two of them.
"What are you doing?" Ed asked flatly.
"I'm gonna sleep." Roy's deep voice rumbled.
Ed's heart was beating fast. His husband's voice was soothing and also a complete turn on. His breath was hot on his neck as he peppered kisses across his shoulder, cheeks, and neck.
Heart pounding, Ed scooched over trying to give both of them some room, but Roy moved with him, practically glued to his back. His arms were tangled around Ed's hips and he was practically grinding on his small husband. His head was tucked into the crook of Ed's neck as he whispered and kissed.
"I thought you said you were going to sleep." Ed grumbled.
"I don't want to sleep, with you right here next to me…"
"Well. I've been alone with four kids for fifteen days and I'm exhausted so I want to sleep."
"I'm happy just having you beside me." Roy chuckled and kissed Ed's neck.
Ed turned in Roy's arms so he was facing him. He leaned in and pecked Roy on the lips a few times before wrapping his arms around Roy in a hug. Ed then promptly fell asleep.
Roy kissed the top of Ed's head, he undid the blonde's silky braid and ran his fingers through Ed's hair. He laid awake just breathing in Ed's scent, placing kisses. He tightened his grip around Ed's midsection, feeling the curves of his body pressed into his own.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When Ed woke up the next morning he couldn't move. Roy's iron grip kept him locked in place. He tried to break away, but Roy just pulled him closer.
"Morning." He mumbled into Ed's hair.
"I need to go check on the kids."
"Let me." Roy said. He let go of Ed and then ducked out of bed. He returned a few minutes later holding Oliver, not like he had too. The man's year old daughter clung to him.
"Daddy, daddy, daddeee!" Ollie chanted.
"I told you he'd come back, sweetie," Ed said cheerily.
Roy gave her a kiss, "You thought I wasn't coming home?"
Oliver shook her head, "No daddy. I know, mommy's here you don' leave mommy." She wrapped her tiny arms around Roy's neck in a hug. "I love you much daddy." Oliver squealed excitedly.
"I love you too Ollie…" Roy said patting her dark hair, "I'm so excited to see you talking, baby girl."
Oliver smiled and nodded, "Momah told me n' Lulu that to help us we need tu' talk. So we s-star-tarted."
Roy smiled and pressed his forehead to Oliver's. Their matching charcoal eyes, twinkling.
Roy sat down on the bed and set Oliver in between the two of her parents.
Oliver crawled under the covers and laid still. "Daddy. Mahma, you come snuggle too!" She giggled excitedly.
Ed stroked her dark bangs away from her face and placed a kiss on her forehead. "I need to make breakfast… and check on Grey…"
Ed got out of bed. He tied his hair up into a ponytail, not even remembering he wasn't the one who took it down.
Ollie stood up putting her hands on her hips, "I wan go too. Mahma." She said. She very clumsily waddled to the edge of the bed. Before she could get any closer, Roy picked her up and set her down on the ground.
"Mommy and I need to get dressed, alright sweetie? Go see if your sister and brother are awake…"
"Ollie don't wake them up please…? And don't go into the nursery." Ed said.
"Grey dosn' sleep whell…" Oliver mumbled as she left their room.
"Too young for an attitude…" Ed tutted.
"It's because you told her and Louisa to speak their minds."
Ed chuckled as he went to the closet and pulled out a white button down. Then he pulled out a pair of pants. He quickly exchanged bottoms, then slipped on a shirt. He felt Roy watching him. "Enjoying yourself?" Ed asked chuckling.
"I haven't seen you in a while… forgive me for admiring."
Ed blushed and tried to focus on buttoning his shirt. Roy stepped closer, standing right over Ed.
"You alright? You're trembling…" Roy said.
"Well yeah… you're right here." Ed finished the buttons. He rolled up the sleeves to his elbows. He was blushing furiously and refused to make eye contact.
Roy reached up, pulling down a shirt. "This is my closet too y'know."
Ed scoffed.
Roy chuckled, "Tsk. Tsk. So much sexual tension."
"I'm going." Ed pushed Roy away. Again as he left he felt Roy's gaze. He looked over his shoulder briefly, and noticed Roy staring at his ass. He blushed furiously and pulled the door closed behind him.
Roy quickly dressed and followed Ed out of their room. He saw his husband's small figure in front of the crib. Quietly Roy entered. He stood beside Ed the two of them watched their sleeping son.
"Has he been sleeping in a lot?" Roy whispered.
"Yeah… because I can never get him to go to sleep at night or for a nap…"
Roy reached his hand in to stroke Greyson's hair and Ed smacked it away, "Are you crazy… he's such a light sleeper…"
"Oh he'll be fine…" Roy said reaching into the crib again.
"Roy…" Ed whimpered.
"You really don't want me to…"
Ed shook his head, "he needs his sleep." Ed left the nursery with Roy following close behind. They opened the door to the girls' room. Oliver sat looking through a book on her bed, Louisa was still fast asleep on her bed.
Ollie excitedly got off her bed and ran as best she could to her parents. She took her father's hand
Ed opened the door to Milo's room. Their son was sitting on his bed, awake now.
"Hey sweetie…" Ed said.
"Mommy…" Milo mumbled as he rubbed his eyes.
Roy entered Milo's room, still holding Oliver's hand.
"Daddy!" Milo gasped excitedly. He threw off his covers and ran to his father.
Roy crouched down to the ground. Milo ran and wrapped his arms around his father's neck. Roy chuckled and fastened arms around Milo's small torso.
"I missed you daddy…"
"We aw miss him Mio." Oliver said, tugging her father's arms.
Roy wrapped one arm around his daughter and pulled her close, placing a kiss on her cheek "I missed all my kiddos."
"I taked good care of mommy."
"Good little man." Roy praised, ruffling Milo's hair.
Milo smiled, his face turned red, so excited and proud.
"He only cried a lil' bit." Milo said, demonstrating with his fingers.
Roy glanced at Ed and then back at Milo, "well I'm glad you were there to make mommy feel better."
"Sweetie, please, let's go downstairs. Your brother and sister are still asleep." Ed said, he picked up Milo and carried him downstairs.
Roy followed, carrying Ollie.
"Do you want breakfast?" Ed asked
"Yes!" Milo squealed.
"Pease!" Oliver hummed.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roy sat on the couch, he held Greyson in his lap. Milo was jabbering on about unimportant details of his time without his father. Oliver bounced excitedly on one side of the couch and Louisa stood on the floor beside her, talking to her sister.
Ed was in the kitchen, away from the chaos of kids. He scrubbed pans in the sink, cleaning up after dinner.
"Mio stap ih'!" Lulu cried loudly.
"Kids." Roy warned sternly.
"Daddee. He wa'…" Louisa began to ramble in half English half baby gibberish.
"Daddy, I wasn' being mean…."
Roy sighed, hearing both of his kids pleading their own defense. "Stop it. This is trivial, and I don't want you to make your brother upset with all this crying."
"Twi'vial." Oliver muttered.
"It means insignificant, sweetie." Ed said, wandering in from the kitchen.
"Daddy all you an' mahma care about is Grey." He made his hands into puppets, mocking his parents. "Don' make him cry. Don' upset him…" Both Ed and Roy watched in astonishment as their son's mocking hands slowly began to sign what he was saying… kind of sloppily, but still signing nonetheless. "You don't care abou' me any more… jus', the liddle kids. I don' wanna be a big brother anymore… I wan' to be your baby..."
"Good job Milo. Really good signing." Ed gushed.
Roy tutted. "Milo what made you think that your mother and I don't care about you…?" He asked, the little boy shrugged.
"Milo. You're getting bigger, stronger, smarter, more independent." Ed said, he moved to sit beside Roy on the couch. "Both me and your father grew up at a very young age… and I don't think we expect the same from you… but…"
"Milo, you're a very smart boy… and I believe you aren't independent enough for your maturity level." Roy said.
"You weren't kids…?" He asked curiously, the stern scolding obviously flying straight over his head.
"No, that's not… what I meant." Ed stuttered.
"Milo you're missing the point." Roy said.
"You n' Mommy weren't kids? Only adults?" Milo said confused.
"Milo, from a very young age I suffered from my own stupidity, and so I had to grow up. It's not physically, but mentally and emotionally. Do you understand now?" Ed said.
"Mommy suffered?" Milo asked, whimpering, tears pooled in his big gold eyes. "Wha- happen?" He asked sniffling, he wasn't gonna cry, not in front of his mommy and daddy.
"No. Milo, that's not the point. The point is, I think your mother and I both expect you to take on certain responsibilities… and a level of maturity." Roy said
Milo wiped his eyes with his sleeve. He looked up at his Mother, "Mommy, what happened to you when you were a little boy."
"M-Milo, drop it… right now." Ed said, "Listen to us."
"We're not going to talk about it alright Milo." Roy said. "The point is, your mother and I love you, but as you grow we expect independence…"
"You're not a baby so we won't treat you as one." Ed said
Milo, nodded, "I'm the biggest brother…"
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The two weeks back with Roy were nice, they enjoyed all the time together they could. Eventually Ed admitted to Roy that he had the first check up with Oliver, a confirmed pregnancy. He kept the fact that there was a possibility it was their child to himself, thinking it only that, a possibility. Roy reacted as Ed expected, he looked sort of disheartened and then gave a forced smile, "That's great." He said trying to sound enthusiastic.
Eventually, it came time for Roy to leave again, and naturally Ed was devastated. So sad and put down, he kept on a strong front for his children he knew how upset it made them when he was sad. There weren't many phone calls exchanged during the two weeks, Roy said he'd call in his free time, and whenever he did, he was usually falling asleep at the phone.
Of course eventually, those two weeks went by and Roy came back home. Ed was rather excited and eager to see him, this time he'd gotten all the kids down and he was ecstatic to have some time alone with Roy. He'd been craving touch, whether it intimate or not.
Ed paced around the house nervously, trying to give himself the confidence to come onto his husband. He wore one of Roy's t-shirts, and nothing else. Instead of up, his hair was down cascading over his shoulders. He was now at least four months along, his belly bulged. Ed thought himself unusually large for four/five months along, but he didn't question it, as he'd been told many times, "every pregnancy is different."
The front door opened very quietly. Ed's heart was in his throat, he felt like crying so excited to see his husband after a grand total of thirteen days away. Roy stepped in, he was wearing his uniform. He saw Ed and his gaze softened.
"Hey…" Roy said with a relieved sigh. His arms wrapped around Ed's midsection, he held him close. Ed's arms snaked around Roy's neck, standing on his tippee-toes, he placed kisses along his husband's jaw.
Roy suddenly pulled away. "It's good to be home." He picked up his things and moved to the office.
Ed closed the front door and locked it. He followed Roy to the office, he stood in the doorway watching as his husband pulled out stacks of paperwork and folders, books and envelopes.
"So. H-how was work?" Ed asked, standing in the doorway.
"It was good. Slow… really busy though…"
Ed nodded, "I really missed you."
"I missed you too." Roy said, looking up as he shuffled a stack of papers.
Ed watched him, "Are you… going to come to bed?"
"Actually, I'm expecting a call from the general… so I'll answer it before it rings too much and wakes up the kids."
"A-Alright…" Ed muttered. He entered the office and leaned up to kiss Roy goodnight.
It might've been nothing, but Ed could almost swear he saw Roy hesitate. He kissed him on the cheek, "goodnight."
"Goodnight," Roy said with a smile.
Ed made his way up to bed where he laid, awake, aching for his husband who he knew was just downstairs. Eventually he nodded off to the sound of Calces' gentle breathing beside him.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
It was the same dream and Ed was confused, but not surprised
"Hey hon… you did great…" Roy said, catching Ed's attention.
Ed looked around the room, recognizing it to be a hospital bedroom and the same exact dream. He was in bed, holding a baby in his arms.
"You alright there?" Roy asked.
Ed turned his head to see Roy sitting beside him. He was smiling, still looking happier than Ed had ever seen him.
"He's beautiful… don't you think?" Roy asked.
That was different, before… it was girl baby. Now it was a boy?
Ed looked down into his arms at the baby. Honey blonde hair was in tufts at the top of his head. His eyes were closed, but again, somehow Ed just knew behind his pale eyelids were charcoal dark eyes.
"This seems… so surreal… I can't believe… this… he shouldn't have even been possible…" Roy said.
Ed looked back down at the baby in his arms. He felt Roy's hand gently rubbing his back.
"Ed? Are you alright…? You look confused…?"
Ed looked at Roy, then back at the baby… "Why is this happening?" He asked breathlessly.
"Look… I understand if you're still mad at me…" Roy interjected. He took hold of Ed's hand and gently stroked the back of his hand with his thumb.
"Wait, why were we fighting…?" Ed asked confused
Roy smiled and chuckled. His arms snaked around Ed's midsection and pulled him into a close hug, "I wish you would've told me…" Roy whimpered into Ed's neck as he placed kisses on the supple skin. He lifted his head and looked at Ed, tears were pooled in his eyes.
Ed woke up. He blinked tiredly seeing Roy asleep beside him. Ed scooched closer, and Roy's arm wrapped around his shoulder, holding him close. Ed fell back to sleep comforted by his sleeping husband.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The next couple of weeks, Roy spent his time with the kids. They were all again, so excited to see their father. As happy as Ed was just to have Roy home, he was unhappy with their amount of physical contact. Ed thought back hard, trying to recall any incident after the night he came home when Roy had touched him, willingly, the only time he could recall was when they were sleeping the night he'd come home and he held Ed, and even then he was unconscious.
Practically every time Ed fell asleep he was plagued by the dream, the same exact dream, and each time it was a son. Ed could hardly get Roy to speak in the dream, like he only had certain dialogue options.
He decided to dismiss it as another recurring pregnancy symptom, but something about it shook him, and he couldn't help but feel like he was missing something. No matter how many times he had the dream, Roy crying would always shake him awake. It was so unlike his husband, and all he could think about was when Roy told him they didn't communicate something. He didn't want to fight with Roy, and something was definitely wrong. So he decided he wanted to spare himself the heartache he would seemingly suffer in the near future.
It was selfish to dump everything on Roy at once but Ed couldn't take this, if he opened up, Roy would have to too.
By now Ed was literally aching, he was insatiable. He would approach Roy, and Roy would hardly glance at him. If he kissed Roy, Roy wouldn't kiss back. Ed would give him a hug, Roy's arms would stay limp at his sides.
It was the tenth day Roy had been home, the kids were all napping, Roy left the nursery wandering downstairs and into the kitchen. Ed washed plates and Roy poured himself a cup of coffee. Neither of them spoke, they could feel the tension, thick in the air. They knew it was there, how could they not? Even their kids felt the awkwardness between mommy and daddy.
Finally Ed dropped the plate he was washing in the water-filled sink, "Why won't you touch me?!" He asked, turning to face Roy across the kitchen.
Roy was almost blushing, "Ed…" He paused unsure of what to say, "I've been really busy with work…"
Ed was tearing up, trying to keep his composure, he wasn't far along he couldn't be this emotional already. "That's a bullshit excuse and you know it… You may find it hard to believe but even I miss sex, or just kisses, and touching you… feeling you." Ed whimpered, he moved towards Roy.
"I know that…" Roy began, "I just… It's—I can't explain… I have this weird sort of protectiveness over you… and I think it's because you're pregnant… but it's not my baby and I've been trying to keep my distance… You have no idea how badly I want you… but I feel conflicted… because that's not my child… and it just seems wrong to—"
Ed began to cry.
"Hey… Hey… I'm sorry…" Roy shushed his small husband, wrapping his arms around him in a hug. He kissed the top of his head. "I'm sorry."
Ed shook his head, "no, it's just I've been having this recurring dream… so many times… and in the dream... we have a baby… another baby… and I think… I think this is our baby…" Ed said, his hand resting on his swollen stomach. "I-I didn't want to tell you because I was unsure… and I didn't want to freak you out."
Roy's jaw dropped, nonetheless, he pulled Ed close and kissed his face, rubbing his shoulder. "I'm sorry I didn't come to you… that I didn't communicate."
Ed sniffled, "please don't let work come between us…" Ed begged "I know every night you've been busy with work… but please… don't stop loving me…" Ed was blushing furiously, wiping at his tears.
"Of course not…" Roy said, he leaned down and kissed Ed. He pulled Ed closer hugging him. "It wasn't my intention to make you feel unwanted…"
Ed nodded, sniffling, "I know… but, you're always so affectionate…. And I just… I missed you even though you've been here… I shouldn't feel like that"
Ed felt Roy's hand slowly start to rub his belly.
"I just want to make sure I get to see you while you're here…" Ed said
Roy kissed the top of Ed's head and they stayed in each other's embrace. "You will."
"Milo thinks it's our baby too…" Roy said.
"I know… he told me." Ed said.
Roy chuckled, "he said he wanted to keep it secret but I guess he's not very good at that..."
Ed nodded, smiling, he felt better, Roy was responsive… talking and touching him. He'd felt so neglected over the last couple of weeks.
"So… the kids are down for their naps…" Roy said.
Ed sighed, "we'd best enjoy this time while we can… I don't think Milo will be taking naps for much longer…"
Roy nodded in agreement and leaned down to kiss Ed, his hands were on either side of his face, holding them together.
Roy kissed Ed deeply, pushing his tongue into Ed's mouth whether he was ready for it or not. His hands fell around his lower back. He pulled them together, Ed's swollen tummy was pressed into Roy's abdomen. Leaving no space between the two of them.
He pecked Ed's lips a few times, before gently running his fingers through his hair.
"Are you leaving next week?" Ed asked.
Roy sighed, "I don't want to talk about that…"
"I do…" Ed said
Roy sighed, "Yeah… probably… I haven't heard from the office for a few days…"
"I want to go with you." Ed said.
Roy's brow furrowed, "Hm."
Ed stared at his husband his gaze unrelenting. Roy knew he had to say something fast, Ed looked more disappointed by the second.
"What about the kids…?" He asked.
"We leave them with their aunt and uncles… I'm sure they wouldn't mind…" Ed answered
"It wouldn't be fun... I am there to do work after all" Roy said.
Ed shook his head, "I don't care… you wasted your time off… so I want a do-over, besides I can work too… I'll meet all my superiors… they'll get to see me face to face…"
Roy rubbed the back of his neck and sighed, "I can't say no to you…"
Ed smiled triumphantly.
"But your brother can turn you down…" Roy added, even though they both knew he wouldn't.
Ed shook his head, "He won't… if anything Oliver and Louis could help..." Ed rested his head against Roy's chest.
They were both silent, still in each other's embrace.
"Can we have sex please?" Ed asked, blushing and avoiding eye contact.
Roy smirked, "Someone's a little horny."
Ed sighed, "You have no idea…"
"My baby making you ache inside?" Roy purred.
"We can't be positive it's ours… it could be Oliver's—"
"Sh. It's rude to talk about other men in the bedroom…" Roy said, planting a kiss on Ed's lips. His hand slid up Ed's back and under his shirt.
"We're not in the bedroom…" Ed chirped.
"Hush." Roy said with a sigh.
They backed into the office and Roy lifted Ed onto his desk. He tugged off Ed's clothes throwing them aside as they each grew more frantic.
Roy pulled Ed's hair free and he kissed down the side of his face and his neck. "I'm sorry…"
"Stop apologizing…"Ed blushed furiously
Roy pulled away and smirked, kissing Ed on the nose.
"Enough kissing…" Ed whined, "Please touch me…"
Roy chuckled and his fingers slipped under Ed's bare thighs.
Ed's legs wrapped around his waist.
Roy began to grind down on his small husband.
Ed was trembling, shaking with anticipation, he tried to hold his voice, but as he panted, he whimpered too.
Roy was chucking under his breath. "God I missed you." He said, placing kisses on his husband's neck and cheek. "sorry… sorry… I'm so sorry.." Roy mumbled.
"Stop." Ed said, trying to compose himself. He sat back down on the desk. "You don't need to apologize…"
Roy sighed and rubbed his face, "I know… I just…" He paused and fingered his wedding ring, twisting it around his finger. "You're right, I'm so affectionate… and I've been restraining and separating myself from you… and I'm just now realizing how much I missed you… and it's my fault"
Ed wrapped his arms around Roy's neck and pulled him close, "We resolved the issue before it started… so it's alright now…" He pulled Roy's head down to his own so he could kiss him.
Roy smiled and wrapped his arms around Ed's small waist, hugging him tightly. "I love you…"
"I love you too…" Ed replied.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Okay! End of chapter, what do y'guys think. Let me know! *Clears Throat* I'd like to take a minute to thank all the… just joking, but I am so happy and thank you guys profusely for all your support. I was super excited to find out one of my favorite reviewers hadn't stopped reading my story like I thought they had… so thank you for that! Please review and leave me your thoughts. Love you all, see you next chapter, which I hope will be out sooner this time!